After playing in separate EFL Cup semi-finals in midweek, this Sunday sees the small matter of Manchester United vs. Liverpool in the Premier League. One of the sport’s oldest rivalries will be ignited once again at Old Trafford after a drab affair ended 0-0 between the two at Anfield earlier in the campaign.

Stakes are higher in this clash, mind. As you may expect so much later in the season, the jostling for position in the Premier League’s chasing pack is growing in ferocity by the week. Liverpool look most likely to push Chelsea for the crown, while Manchester United’s recent run of results has seen their top four chances move from unlikely to expected.

Just to add to the drama surrounding Sunday’s match, there are two of the world’s most emotional managers in the dugouts. Hectic schedules make for big decisions and Mourinho needs to make these THREE huge calls…

To Roo or not to Roo

Wayne Rooney’s chances of breaking the Manchester United goal scoring record against Liverpool are pretty good. For any footballing romantic it seems perfect. Jose Mourinho, though, has different issues surrounding Rooney ahead of the game.

While form should mean that Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan start, playing both of them leaves the attacking midfield trio unbalanced. One wing must be occupied by a player more willing to run beyond the central striker, which could see Rooney placed out on the left.

Despite a recovery of form over the recent weeks, Rooney’s selection will still prove to be definitive in the way Manchester United approach the game.

Would you Adam and weave it?

Adam Lallana is the heartbeat of Liverpool’s attacking play this season. While Jordan Henderson dictates from deep and recycles possession, Lallana is the man who carries the ball through midfield and plays incisive passes to the front three behind the opposition midfield.

His role in the side is so great that opposing teams must set up a specific plan to stop him. Restrict his influence and Liverpool will be forced to go through less practised channels in their side. The natural enforcer to put on him for Manchester United is Ander Herrera and this could be a duel that determines the outcome of the match.

Natural Instincts

Jose Mourinho’s instincts in the biggest games are to avoid defeat first and push for a win later. This can be a little different when he is managing the home side, but even then he will usually favour a safety-first approach to his team management.

While Liverpool are vulnerable defensively, their devastating attacking play will make Mourinho wary of throwing too many men forward. Klopp is not going to change his approach for this match, that much we can be certain of, but Mourinho may end up shackling some of his most gifted players as he hopes to avoid defeat.

Manchester United’s momentum must be taken advantage of by Mourinho and, while Liverpool are a serious danger with the ball, he must look to expose their defensive weaknesses.